Championship Contenders Get to Know the Student-Athletes Representing the Wolfpack at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Regionals

Twenty members of the NC State Track & Field team will compete in the preliminary round of the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

The Wolfpack contingent will complete in 16 different events in Lexington, Kentucky from Thursday, May 25 through Saturday, May 27, for a chance to qualify for the NCAA finals in Eugene, Oregon.

Get to know the Wolfpack's competitors:

Favorite pre-competition food: chicken alfredo

Favorite post-competition food: medium rare steak with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? Representing the Wolfpack is an honor and just knowing that I represent a school that is so supportive and encouraging makes it even better.

If you’ve never been to the NCAAs, what is your biggest question? What does it feel like to know that your competing with the top athletes in the nation?

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I was 7 years old I ran the 400 and cried all the way around the track because I was so tired. That's when I knew the 400 was not for me.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I always listen to eminems song "lose yourself" before I compete.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I would like to thank my father for my success. Hes always pushed me and encouraged me to be the best I can be. Whether it was from coaching me himself or making sure I got the coaching I needed. I remember from middle school to high school being in my basement with my dad doing box jumps on these boxes he bought on amazon. If I weren't for the lessons I've learned from him about hard work and determination, I would not have the work ethic that I have now and I definitely wouldn't be running track at a D1 college.

Nickname: Vont

Favorite pre-competition food: Subway

Favorite post-competition food: anything I can get my hands on.

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It means representing a university that encourages and evokes the importance of teamwork.

What is your biggest question about the NCAA Championships? What is the atmosphere like

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I remember being nervous before the race. Then during I remember trying to run my hardest. And afterwards I was tired trying to catch my breath. I wasn't in shape like the others because I came on the team mid season.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I always pray in my lane right before my race. And me Nyheim Hines do our pre race handshake

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? Being hawked down in the 4x100 my junior year in high school.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I would like to thank God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the ability to compete and use this platform to make his name known. I would also like to thank my family for all their love and support. They've been to almost every meet I had. And if they couldn't make it they would post the results on Facebook. Thanks to my all my coaches- from AAU, high school, and now. They all played an integral part on me developing into the athlete I am today. And my teammates for believing in me and encouraging me, and for pushing me to new limits every practice. Would also like to thank Christ Gospel Church of Charlotte for all of the support they show me.

Nickname: Gabbi

Favorite pre-competition food: Chicken tenders and fries

Favorite post-competition food: A strawberry banana milkshake with and hotdog and fries

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It means a lot to me to represent the Wolfpack. When I go out there to compete and I look down and see the State symbol on my chest it makes me proud because I am able to represent such a great school.

If you’ve been to the NCAAs before, what advice would you give to someone who has never been? Don't be nervous. You have prepared for this moment in practice all year so go out and have fun and compete!

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I was extremely nervous!

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I always take a shower before we leave to go to the meet no matter what time of day it is or else it doesn't feel right. When I get to the meet I always pray right before I race. When its time to get down in the blocks I take one deep breath to calm my nerves and then I get down to start the race.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? I fell over the first hurdle

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I would like to thank God and give him all the glory because without him I would not have the success I have earned and the lessons I have learned. I would like to thank my family; my mom, my dad, my brother because they have always supported me no matter what and I love them so much.

Nickname: Josh

Favorite pre-competition food: A Bacon Cheeseburger

Favorite post-competition food: A 2nd Bacon Cheeseburger

Representing the Wolfpack means conducting yourself in and out of competition in a way that embodies NCSU, by always trying to achieve something greater than you ever have before.

What advice would you give to someone who has never been to the NCAA Championships? If you feel overwhelmed, remember it is nothing different from any meet you have ever been to. You may feel more pressure, but the rules, structure, and athletes are all the same.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? That I won my event.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I listen to Mike Tyson's speech after his fight vs. Lou Savarese.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? Being lucky enough to get into my first national championship due to a last minute medical scratch

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? My HS Coaches: Lassiter, Nevells, Buchanan, Barker, Hill, and Branch for making me into the athlete I am now, and most importantly my current coach, Thomas Wood, for believing in me even when I don't.

My name is Junpai Dowdy but most people on the team call me JP.

My favorite precompetition food is any type of fruit besides bananas and plums.

To represent the Wolfpack is amazing to me because everything I do can impact the school. If I do something spectacular or unsightly it's directly going to connect to the school and I guess that's why it's so amazing.

I'm a freshman so I have not been able to go to NCAAs before so my biggest question would have to be: "How many other freshmen are here and what are their events"?

I don't really remember my first ever race but the first race I can clearly remember was the 200 meter dash in 8th grade. It's funny because the only reason I remember that race is because it was the first race I couldn't breath in. At the time I had just started track and I had little to no endurance so the 200 felt SO long.

The only ritual I have is the one I use to get into my blocks with. I jump into the air and lift my knees into my chest and do a couple small ones after that to shake out my legs. After that I do a standing butterfly stretch thing and I slowly back up into my blocks.

The craziest thing that has happened to me in track and field was the 4x400 meter relay in the summer of my senior at the USATF region 3 championships. I barely won the anchor leg by 0.01 seconds.

I honestly don't think I can thank a one single person for my success. I am who I am and I was able to succeed because of my parents and all the coaches and people in my life. So to just thank one is impossible.

Nickname: Short stuff, blind squirrel

Favorite pre-competition food: None

Favorite post-competition food: Pineapple Fruit Popsicle Bars

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It means to show my pride as a student and athlete and to compete as best as I can.

If you’ve never been to the NCAAs, what is your biggest question? How do others get competition ready - physically, mentally and emotionally?

What do you remember about your first race/competition? Not much. Just feeling unsatisfied and impatient to compete again because I didn't feel like I did as well as I could and wanted my family to be proud of me.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? Listening to either Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole sometimes both.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? I competed on a swelled, sprained ankle. I was in high school and wasn't able to do a full throw in discus and instead threw all power throws, one of which was a p.r.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? My mom, grandma, aunt, and younger brother. They have been there since I started and have supported me through all my ups and downs along my career. Also, Avie Lester who was a former basketball player for State. Thanks to him I started doing sports in the first place.

Favorite pre-competition food: Chicken

Favorite post-competition food: Pasta

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It means a lot. I want so show people that I am capable of being amazing

If you’ve never been to the NCAAs, what is your biggest question? Are the officials mean?

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I was nervous and of course my whole family came and cheered for me during warm ups.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I pray

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? I broke the hammer school record without practicing that week.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? First and foremost God, and my family for always being supportive.

Nickname: Ryen "Backfat" Frazier

Favorite pre-competition food: Bruegger’s Sundried Tomato Bagel

Favorite post-competition food: Ice-cream

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? Representing the Wolfpack not only means representing the track family I’ve been raised by, but also the bigger community that I’m on campus with daily as well as alumni who graduated long ago.

I have never been to NCAAs in Track and Field, but based on my experience at NCAAs in Cross Country, I would say the most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself and leave with no regrets. You may not get this opportunity more than once.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? My first race was a road race at my middle school. I ran it with my sister and dad, but I finished way behind them both.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I try to limit my superstitions and rituals so I don’t overthink racing.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? One time I raced in trainers because they called us to the line way ahead of schedule and I was still warming up.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I would like to thank everyone who has ever supported me: my parents, former coaches, other athletes, and most importantly current coaches and teammates. Especially when things are looking down, this support system is steady and unwavering.

Favorite pre-competition food: French Toast

Favorite post-competition food: BBQ chicken pizza

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It means a lot to me to represent the Wolfpack and wear our colors, knowing that I’m competing for such a great school with such a rich history and commitment to making me the best athlete and person that I can be

If you’ve never been to the NCAAs, what is your biggest question? What is the atmosphere like at NCAAs compared to a smaller meet?

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I remember being extremely nervous and uncomfortable about competing. I was afraid that I was going to go out and embarrass myself or even hurt myself.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I always watch high jump videos the night before my competition

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? Early on in my high jumping, I had an attempt where I jumped too early and hit my head on the standard the holds the bar up. Everybody watching thought that I had seriously hurt myself but luckily I was able to laugh it off with a little bit of pain and keep jumping

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I would like to thank all of my high school coaches the most for my success. They're responsible for beginning and developing my love for the sport of track and field as well as believing in my abilities

Name: Elena Henes

Nickname: Elly

Favorite pre-competition food: Salmon and pasta

Favorite post-competition food: Ice cream

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? Representing the Wolfpack means representing my family, on and off the track.

What is your biggest question about the NCAA Championships: My biggest question would be: what is the most important thing to keep in mind when approaching the line on race day?

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I remember finding my teammates right off the line and working with them to accomplish something I did not realize I had in me.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I always eat a kit kat or chocolate chip cookie the night before I race (whichever one I'm craving or is more available)

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? The craziest thing that has ever happened to me was getting pushed down at NCAAs cross country and getting stepped on.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I'd like to thank my mother for understanding how competitive I am and showing me I could use that trait for the sport that I love. I'd also thank her for her guidance and support through

Nickname: NyNy

Favorite pre-competition food: spaghetti

Favorite post-competition food: any food that I'm craving at the moment

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It’s an honor to represent the team I grew up cheering for. So helping contribute to the program's success in any manner is very fulfilling for me.

What advice would you give to someone who has never been to the NCAA Championships? Don't let the moment be big too big for you. You have the talent if you made it all the way to nationals. Trust your training and embrace everything no matter how it unfolds

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I remember winning the race in long Russell basketball shorts with spikes that my dad bought me from Johnson-Lamb the day before the meet.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I have many rituals but my main rituals are reading Psalm 5, 23, 70 and Revelations 3:20 before my competition. For track I do the same route as I get down in the blocks. For football I put salt in my shoes because of a Michael Jordan book I read as a kid. And wear the same shirt or socks I had a good practice or game in ( they are washed first)

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? When I was 12 at nationals I was the first leg for the relay. When the gun shot off the baton flew out of my hand because of the pouring rain. I tried to run to lane 1 As i went to get the baton and the guys from lane 1 and lane 2 ran me over.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? My family, coaches, and teammates. I want to thank my dad because he has always been my role model and inspiration for me. My sister for staying on my case. I want to thank my coaches at Carolina Elite (coach Chris Love, Warren Marshall, and Danny Peebles. Lastly I want to thank Coach Johnson. I've ran track for a long time but I feel like I've learned and received so much information from him. I feel like I'm finally learning the mechanics of running correctly.

Nickname: Rock

Favorite pre-competition food: Chipotle

Favorite post-competition food: Shrimp Alfredo

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It means everything!!!! This University has presented me with so many opportunities and countless resources. They give me hope that a better future awaits. I owe the pack so much so I grind hard everyday to show my appreciation.

What is your biggest question about the NCAA Championships: Is AllysonFelix going to show up?

What do you remember about your first race/competition? It was one of the most memorable days in my life. I was 8 running at an indoor all comers meet!! After the meet I got really sick, and that started my motion sickness.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? Since I got in college I always call my mother and my high school coach before I warm up. Towards the end of the warm up I call my high school coach and then I call my mother before I head into the bullpen. It's just something I always do because my whole life I've always had them both at every track meet.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport?Nothing crazy has happened to me in my sport. I'm just really accident prone I guess. I always manage to find ways to get injured that have nothing to do with athletics. I got a concussion walking off the track and got hit by somebody warming up. I got a dislocated shoulder getting hit by a bike when I was jogging.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I owe all my success to my mother first and foremost. Without her I would be nothing. I watched her struggle to support me and my 11 brothers and sister. Some how one by one she managed to see us get scholarships to college and eventually graduate. I'm next in line and want to continue the trend.

Next my high school track coach. He has consistently pushed me and been in my corner from day 1. Without him I wouldn't be the athlete I am today. Outside of athletics he taught me a lot of life lessons that I still carry with me today.

Lastly the supporting cast I have at NC State has been more than a blessing. Many times I've been close to hitting rock bottom but they kept believing in me and pulled me out of my slump. My academic advisor Jody who I gave heartaches for two years always had faith in me even when I didn't believe in myself. My teammate Quashawn played a big part in making sure I kept a leveled head when things went wrong back home. Helped me learn how to think before reacting on a lot of situations. All of this ultimately has made me a better student, athlete, and person all together.

Nickname: Not at liberty to disclose this information.

Favorite pre-competition food: Some sort of bagel with some sort of spreadable substance on top.

Favorite post-competition food: ICE CREAM ... or any frozen dairy treat really.

It is an incredible feeling to be able to contribute to the legacy of the Wolfpack Track and Field program that has had such incredible athletes wear the red and white through the years.

If you’ve been to the NCAAs before, what advice would you give to someone who has never been? I made NCAA finals in Eugene two years ago as a sophomore; my advice would be to remember that it is just another race like every other and not let it be more than it is. The first time I made it to Hayward field I was definitely overwhelmed by the magic and pressure of NCAA Championships but at the end of the day you will run the same number of laps on a 400m track same as you did do get there; nothing changes, you don't have to be anything special or do anything special; you've already made it and what got you there is all you need to succeed.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? The thrill and freedom of head-to-head competition; there were no worries about pace or elaborate racing plans; once the gun went off it was just trust your instincts and give it all of you've got.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? If my race happens to be on Saturday (which happens often) I love to crush some morning/early afternoon Spongebob to relax and get into a good mood for the day.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? When I was a junior in high school I was running the 3200m at a local invitational and a sophomore from one of our rival schools puked on me two laps in (her coach came up and apologized to me after explaining that she had chugged a pink lemonade right before the race because she was young and yeah).... she won, I was second..and in shock/disgust/rethinking my life choice of running track.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I would like to thank my parents and coaches for my success. My parents of course for always being my number one fans but also for never putting any additional pressure on me to perform, whether I raced fantastic or terribly their response was always the same and they're always proud regardless of the outcome. I think that they're unconditional support gave me the confidence to push myself because I know even if I fail or falter they'll always be just as proud. I would like to thank my high school coaches for talking me into first, not quitting track and second for believing that I could be successful at a D1 university and pushing me to go for it. I would like to thank my current coaches for my success because their guidance and training has brought me to a level I never would have dreamed a could have achieved. Despite my obstinate attitude they have been patient and coached me to success. There are so many different pieces to the puzzle of success and I have my coaches to thank for continuously showing me more and more of them and more importantly how to put them together.

Favorite pre-competition food: COFFEE

Representing the Wolfpack means speaking and performing for a long line of respected athletes. Once a member of the Wolfpack, always a member of the Wolfpack; you’re a part of a family. Putting on the NC State singlet means you are willing to give every being of yourself to the sport, but more importantly your teammates and coaches. We leave everything on the line for the past, present, and future members of the pack.

If you’ve been to the NCAAs before, what advice would you give to someone who has never been? Don’t panic over the size of the meet. A lot of athletes get to NCAAs and race poorly when the prestige stresses them out. In the end, it’s just another race. Enjoy the moment. Put your best foot on the line as you would for any competition.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I remember reveling in the family I had found. It was a hard course and a hot day, but I finished and all my teammates were ecstatic over my race. Not because it was anything special (it was actually quite mediocre), but because it was my first and through commensal suffering we had formed a friendship.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? Earning a spot on NCSUs team and progressing as I have. I remember dreaming of just making it on NC States team. I never imagined I would make a US junior team or earn All-American. If I could have shown myself back then where I am today, I wouldn’t believe it.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I’m beyond thankful for the coaches I’ve had. I had a rocky start, but my high school coach, Dave Culp, believed in me from the beginning. Even though I’m 3 years removed from high school, he remains a positive influence in my life and will always be someone I look up to.

I’m thankful to the coaches at NCSU who gave me a chance, specifically Laurie Henes. My high school performance did not deserve the time of day from such an esteemed coach and program, but she gave me a shot with a tryout. Through the highs and the lows, the coaches have always been supportive of me and expressed the greatest concern in my physical and mental wellbeing.

Nickname: Sam

Favorite pre-competition food: Peanut Butter and Jelly

Favorite post-competition food: Pizza

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It’s a blessing to be able to represent the Wolfpack knowing how much time and effort my teammates and I put in.

If you’ve never been to the NCAAs, what is your biggest question? How do you mentally ignore the fact that you’re racing some of the people you follow growing up when at the NCAA’s?

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I remember wanting to be faster than all my friends and siblings

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I always bounce and twist before getting into my blocks to start

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? Probably the time I fell exchanging the baton with my teammate on an asphalt track.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I’d like to thank my coaches, my teammates, family and friends for motivating me to be the best I can be

Nickname: Eli

Favorite prcompetition food: Honey Nut Cheerios

Favorite post-competition food: ice cream

Having seen the wall of all-American plaques and knowing many of the great NC State runners, it is an honor to be a part of the tradition. Knowing that everyone who ran here in the past 40 years was under Geiger, I have high expectations for myself and my team.

What advice would you give to someone who has never been to the NCAA Championships? Haven't been for track, but in XC I learned to compete like you belong. And don't fall.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I hated running, and I lost. I hated losing more than I hated running.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I like watching some borat or family guy. Good vibes.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? Cross country nationals would have to take the cake.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? Everyone who's believed and never doubted me since the start. But especially my family for supporting me while letting me be free in making many of my important life decisions.

Nickname: Meg

Favorite pre-competition food: I'm not very picky when it comes to pre-competition food. I can usually eat anything the night before. The morning of the race I usually crave a big pancake breakfast.

Favorite post-competition food: Definitely a burger, fries, and milkshake.

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? Each year my pride for my school has grown stronger and stronger. Currently finishing out my 5th year, I cherish every race I get to wear my jersey. NC State has provided me with such a unique and special experience these past 5 years; an experience I would not trade or change a thing about. NC State is my second home. It is where I met my soon to be husband, where I built new friendships, and where my faith was tested time after time allowing me to grow as a Christian in ways I never thought possible. It is where I experienced triumphs and failures in all areas of my life. It is where I discovered what was important and where I re-established my identity in Christ.

I feel a sense of honor to wear NC State across my chest because of all the opportunities this University has provided me with. Representing the Wolfpack through my sport is my chance to bring recognition to the University that I am so proud to be a part of.

If you’ve been to the NCAAs before, what advice would you give to someone who has never been? After reading the book, Burn Your Goals, my perspective significantly changed to a more beneficial mindset within this sport. My advice to someone going into NCAAs would be to not worry about the uncontrollables: if you will qualify, how the race will go, who will be in your heat, etc. Let go of the result and focus on the process. Focus on controlling what you can, have a great attitude, do your very very best, and be unconditionally grateful regardless of your circumstances. Operate with passion and heart, not fear.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I remember feeling numb. All I could feel was my pounding heartbeat in my head and in my ears. Seconds before the race I remember thinking, "what am I doing?" "why am I here?" "how many more times am I going to put myself through this?" "what if I just walk away?"

Then the gun went off, and I remembered the answers to those reoccurring questions. I love to race, I love to compete, I love the challenge of pushing myself beyond measures that scare me. I love the thrill of not knowing what the race will bring, how it will play out, and the constant reassurance from my Heavenly Father that no matter what happens, my worth is in Him.

I’ve been in countless amounts of races, and even to this day I find the same questions still creep into my head from time to time. I’ve learned that it’s a constant training process of the mind that never stops. Instead of letting those thoughts take over, I smile and remember what I read from Burn Your Goals, through the pain and the fear is where the goodness happens. Every race is an opportunity to make the most out of the talent God has blessed me with and I make sure to choose to do just that.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? I don’t know if I would call this a ritual, but one thing that never changes is making sure to have a coffee in hand before going to the track

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? I

I can’t help but think of two significant things.

1) My redshirt sophomore and junior year I had a bad habit of getting tripped. The first time was a bummer, the second time a few weeks later at Regionals was a bigger bummer, the third time it happened the following outdoor season was where I began to think that maybe this will just be a normal thing. The fourth time.... just kidding. There was almost a fourth time at Regionals but another girl decided she would take the tumble instead. The track and I became very close those 2 years… After that it was a huge accomplishment just to stay on my feet.

2) Last year, the night before the Regional 1500m final, I found myself not face-first on the track this time, but face-first in the toilet all night. If only I had stopped eating after the first bite of that weird tasting deli sandwich.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I am where I am today by the guidance of my Heavenly Father. Through His grace He has provided me with the necessary resources and opportunities. Even when it seemed like I was inadequate at times, He never failed me. There have been plenty of hardships these past 5 years, but I’ve been blessed with unending support from my coaches, teammates, family and friends, who I desire to do my very best for at every practice and every race. I am so grateful for their constant encouragement through it all. I have truly felt God’s love through each of my supporters and I want to say thank you. Each of you has and still do play a significant role in my success.

Nickname: Breezy

Favorite pre-competition food: Some kind of peanut butter, banana, and carb sludge.

Favorite post-competition food: Anything and everything in arm’s reach.

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It’s an honor to represent the alumni who have ran for NC State before me and help contribute to the legacy that they’ve built.

What advice would you give to someone who has never been to the NCAA Championships? Don’t be afraid to put yourself in a position to exhaust your potential.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? I stayed up most of the night before we ran the mile in P.E. class because I was so nervous.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? Talk to my brother on the phone.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? I’ve fallen over my fair share of steeple barriers…

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? My family, coaches, and teammates.

Nickname: President // Parsoni

Favorite pre-competition food: Burrito

Favorite post-competition food: Burrito

It has been the greatest privilege of my life so far to be able to represent NC State University. The tradition that this program carries with it is second to none. To be able to carry the torch and the expectation of excellence has been an absolute joy.

If you’ve been to the NCAAs before, what advice would you give to someone who has never been? Have fun. Too many people get caught up in the competition and the big stage. People forget that you're not suppose dto just be happy after you cross the finish line but before, during, and after.

What do you remember about your first race/competition? It was cold, muddy, windy, and heavy rain. I think I speak for the team that day that we wouldn't of wanted it any other way.

Do you have any pre-completion rituals? I tend to run my mouth towards my competition right before the race. Just funny stuff to kinda mess with them. Especially if I see they are taking the race really seriously. Haha

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? I've seen other runners throw punches mid race before. Thankfully I've been careful enough with who I talk to before races to avoid that.

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? Howling Cow Chocolate Milk for always giving me the perfect 3:1 protein to carbs ratio for my body's recovery needs. Brewed right here on campus.

My mom is pretty awesome also.

Favorite pre-competition food: Chicken tenders and fries or chick fil a

Favorite post-competition food: Popeyes

What does it mean to you to represent the Wolfpack? It means a lot to me because my dad ran track here at NC State and is in the hall of fame now. So to continue the legacy here at NC State means a lot.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals? My pre competition ritual is to read a daily devotional book before I go to sleep and listen to my little brother, Kobe's music before I race.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your sport? Saw a person run into a rail and break a bunch of bones

Who would you like to thank for your success and why? I would like to thank my high school coach Trevor Graham and my dad Danny Peebles because I wouldn't be where I am with out them. and I would like to thank my coach now: Allen Johnson!

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